Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa found himself in the crosshairs of netizens after a public gaffe in which he mistakenly referred to the national anthem as “Bayang Magiliw” instead of its correct title, “Lupang Hinirang.”
In a statement, the senator voiced his disappointment over Filipinos supporting the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) inquiry into the previous administration’s drug war, accusing them of “surrendering” Philippine sovereignty.
Dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Duterte’s drug war, questioned the patriotism of those advocating for ICC involvement, stating, “They do not love this country.”
“Ewan ko bakit itong mga bleeding hearts na gustong-gustong i-surrender ang ating sovereignty doon sa foreign bodies. Hindi sila nagmamahal sa ating bansa — they do not love this country. Gustong-gusto nilang i-surrender at gustong-gusto nilang babastusin ang ating mga korte,” Dela Rosa during his interview with ANC on Wednesday, January 24.
Dela Rosa argued that local courts are capable of handling cases related to alleged human rights violations during the drug war and suggested that those supporting the ICC should sing the national anthem “1,000 times” to prove their allegiance.
“Bakit naman ganu’n ang pag-iisip natin? I don’t know this kind of Filipinos. Siguro dapat ang mga Pilipino na ito dapat ay pakantahin natin ng 1,000 times ng Bayang Magiliw para matuto silang magmahal ng bansa,” he added.
Online reactions were swift and critical, with one netizen pointing out the anthem misstep, saying, “Thats LUPANG HINIRANG. why are you a Filipino politician, can’t still get our national anthem’s title right???”
Another remarked, “Lupang Hinirang po hindi bayang magiliw… Bugok!”
In a separate admission, Dela Rosa expressed fear of being locked up by the ICC, citing concerns for his grandchildren.
“Hindi ako takot na sabihin mo meron akong na-commit na kasalanan, no, takot ako na makulong dahil kawawa yung mga apo ko, hindi ko na makikita,” the former PNP chief said
“Buti kung makulong ka lang dito sa Pilipinas. Eh ikukulong ka don sa The Hague. Ano ngayon? Paano makabisita mga apo ko. They will grow up lolo-less. So kawawa naman mga apo ko. I love my apos so much.”
Kabataan party-list criticized him for “playing the victim” and urged him to face allegations with courage.
Dela Rosa’s clash with Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel reignited past tensions, with Manuel emphasizing that “true patriotism” involves fighting for justice rather than rejecting ICC scrutiny.
Despite the online backlash, Dela Rosa welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s stance against assisting the ICC in its investigation.
The Daily Netizen 